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UN Photo/Evan Schneider

A South African case study for international dialogue and solidarity for justice and lasting peace

Nelson Mandela International Day

Despite the noises from extremists, ending Apartheid gave South Africa a chance to come together as a nation and built a peaceful and prosperous future together. The establishment of our constitutional democracy laid a solid basis for peace, progress and prosperity. Our Constitution as the supreme law of our country affirms the notion of an open and democratic society, underpinned by a set of higher, fundamental values based on human dignity, equality and freedom.

On the status of parliamentarism in general and in Germany in particular

International Day of Parliamentarism

On the occasion of the United Nations International Day of Parliamentarism on June 30, I would like to take the opportunity to make some basic remarks on the status of parliamentarism in general and in Germany in particular. June 30 is no coincidence because it is the date on which the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) was founded in 1889 as a multilateral political organization to promote international cooperation and resolve conflicts through parliamentary dialogue.

UN Photo/Pasqual Gorriz

Multilateralism in Action: Marking the 76th International Day of UN Peacekeepers

International Day of UN Peacekeepers

Over 70,000 UN peacekeepers serve in 11 missions around the globe today. They provide life-saving services such as upholding ceasefires, clearing land mines, and protecting civilians from violence in conflict-affected areas. The International Day of UN Peacekeepers, on 29 May, pays tribute to the honourable service and sacrifice of peacekeepers and the communities they serve. To mark the 76th International Day of UN Peacekeepers, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, shares his perspectives on peacekeeping today and tomorrow in our latest UN Agora Blog post.  

UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

In conversation with Dr. Randy Rydell

International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness

The International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness seeks to promote better awareness and understanding of disarmament issues among the public, especially young people. As the United Nations notes, the goals of multilateral disarmament and arms limitation have been central to the UN’s efforts to maintain international peace and security.

iStock

Human Rights Day: Legal experts discussing the intersection between human rights and climate change

Human Rights Day 2023

Based on the increasing threats of climate change to the effective enjoyment of a range of human rights, we invited renowned legal experts to reflect on how changes in the Earth’s climate have impacted different spheres of life, and why those changes could hinder the effective promotion and protection of human rights, as well as the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.

At the mid-point of the 2030 agenda: some reflections on Justice for All

United Nations Day

In 2015, global leaders took a historic step to include peace, justice and strong institutions as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The adoption of SDG16 demonstrated a clear recognition by all the countries of the world that economies might be performing well, and health and education may improve; but without peace and justice, people will be unable to achieve their full potential and development will remain precarious.

UNDP

The Impact of Parliamentary Oversight on Governance: A case for increased involvement of national legislatures in the implementation of the SDGs

International Day of Democracy

The authors discuss how effective parliaments are critical to promoting democratic governance and are pivotal components of a country's broader governance framework and checks and balances. Parliaments are critical for the successful implementation of the SDGs.

UN Photo/Evan Schneider

Driving Change Towards Racial Justice and Equality

International Day for People of African Descent

August 31 marks the International Day for People of African Descent, now in its third year of observance. Created by the United Nations (UN), the International Day aims to celebrate the diversity and contributions of the Afro-descendant diaspora, end racial discrimination and exclusion around the world, and promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for people of African descent.

Congreso de la Nación

Parliamentarism in Latin America

International Day of Parliamentarism

In the global political landscape, World Parliamentarism Day is a moment of reflection on the importance of democratic systems and how to ensure through them the representation of citizens. Latin America is no stranger to this debate and despite overall progress currently faces two main challenges: a) the disempowerment of parliaments by the executive through constitutional mechanisms (illustrated by the recent developments in Ecuador); and b) the still weak representation of women in parliament and political leadership positions.

Towards Sustainable Peace: An Interview with Lieutenant Colonel Mathias Voss

International Day of UN Peacekeepers

On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of UN peacekeeping and the International Day of UN Peacekeepers on May 29, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) interviewed Lieutenant Colonel (Lt. Col.) Mathias Voss, Counsellor and Deputy Military Advisor at the Permanent Mission of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United Nations, to discuss the changing nature of peacekeeping operations in the 21st century, examine how the UN and Germany are addressing new operational challenges and preparing personnel for peacekeeping missions abroad, and highlight Germany’s engagement in UN peacekeeping as a troop and budget contributor.

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About this series

Welcome to the UN AGORA Blog of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, New York Office. Democracy, peace and security, human rights, and the rule of law are key pillars of our work around the world.

 

Join us in our monthly virtual discussions and follow the international experts whom we are inviting to contribute to our UN AGORA Blog to honor specific international UN Days or to draw attention to current topics in the realm of rule of law, international justice, and peace globally.

 

AGORA stands for the open space, the meeting ground in ancient Greek cities for citizen activities. Homer enjoyed it, and hopefully, you will too!

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Editor

KAS New York

Thomas Tödtling

Thomas Tödtling bild

Director KAS New York Office

thomas.toedtling@kas.de +1 646 852 6442